Thank God for the werewolves supernatural speed healing, I think when I sit in the school cafeteria on Monday. I look at Jalen, there is no visible sign whatsoever that he had been mauled by a vampire three days ago. He was up and going already on Saturday morning. Well there is one visible sign that something had happened this weekend, it is only Kasa, Jalen and I at school today. The others are out on patrol. I munch on my sandwich. I haven't seen much of Benjamin this past weekend and I have to admit that it bugs me. I miss him. I look at Jalen as he gets up from the table.
"I need to go buy something more to eat".
Not even a minute later I see Kasa look up over me and I turn around. It is Jason.
"Hi!" He smiles.
"Hi. Eh what's up?" I ask.
"We missed you at the party, it was really fun" He says. I thought it was a weird thing to say, how could you miss someone you didn't know? Sure, we share a lot of classes and small talk but that's it.
"Well, Emmeline and I went to Port Angeles on Friday. Maybe next time" I pick up my sandwich again.
"Oh wow, the bodyguards let you go that far? Impressive" Jason says and Kasa chuckles.
I didn't know how to answer that.
"Actually I wanted to check if you wanted to do something this week? We could take my car to Port Angeles or see a movie at my place or something?".
"Ehh, I mean that sounds nice I guess but I have to check. I think I'm busy this week actually." I say politely.
"Or maybe you are playing hard to get?" Now he looks annoyed. I guess he isn't used to rejection.
"But I mean, it's fine. I'm always up for a challenge" He continues.
I hear heavy footsteps.
"You are blocking my seat" Jalen doesn't look happy.
"Well last time I checked you don't own this table, do you? Or her for that matter." Jason challenges. He knows that Jalen is two years younger but when I see them together Jalen actually looks older. Jalen walks closer to Jason.
"I think you should leave, now" Jalen says slowly. I notice tiny tremors.
"Jalen" Kasa says. Jalen doesn`t step down and it is quiet.
"I'll see you around Josephine Lahote" Jason finally says and shrugs his shoulders like this was nothing and joins his friends.
Jalen sits down and slams his tray.
"What's his problem?"
I shrug.
"Benjamin wont be happy" Kasa says and lifts her eyebrows. I groan. Benjamin's protective stance with me have not gone unnoticed, the other day he flipped out at Aiden when he accidentally knocked me over.
Later that afternoon I am over at Emmelines house studying. The weather is actually nice so we sit outside in her backyard.
"So have you caught him yet?" I ask.
"It's actually a she, and no. It's so annoying. She crossed the border again last night".
We sit guiet for another couple of minutes, Em have her eyebrows knitted closely and focuses. Suddenly I feel someone's arms around me and I shriek. I hear a familiar chuckle. Benjamin.
"Hi there" He says and kisses my forehead. He came out from the woods with Aaron. Aaron goes over to Em and kisses her slowly.
Benjamin sits down next to me.
"You finished with patrol for today? I ask, he nods.
"Mom asked if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight, but I didn't know if you had patrol or not. Do you want to come over?" I ask.
"Yeah, I'd love to. As long as Paul won't kick my ass" . We all laugh. But I notice that Benjamin's smile don't reach his eyes.
"Are you okay?" I ask. Aaron sighs.
"I'm angry". Benjamin says. He continues.
"What's his problem? He should leave you alone". He was talking about Jason.
"It's fine, I don't care about him" I say and sigh.
"It isn't fine Josephine" Aaron says.
"Well, he is completely harmless. Em and I know what he is like. He just likes to play around and when he realizes that I have no interest in playing along he will grow tired and stop." I say.
"Yeah" Emmeline says and nods.
"Or he won´t stop and take it even further" Benjamin mutters.
"I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable". Benjamin continues and I am not surprised that he knew that that is how I feel about it. I have noticed several times now that Benjamin somehow knows exactly how I am feeling.
Benjamin and Aaron help us with our homework and later we walk over to my house. Mom was making lasagna. She hugs both of us when we walk in. Benjamin knows both of my parents very well. Dad joins us as well.
"You finally had the guts to come over?" Dad says and smirks. I roll my eyes.
The dinner was nice. Benjamin complimented mom on her cooking and Aiyana adored him. Benjamin felt like a part of the family, I guess he is now.
Now we were having ice cream for dessert. Mom had just taken Aiyana, it was time for her to sleep.
"I heard that you hadn't gotten hold of the vampire that hurted Jalen yet?" Dad say.
"No, not yet. She manages to get away every time." Benjamin sigh.
"Don't worry, you will get her soon. The pack is strong. Not as strong as in my days, but still". We laugh.
Mom called my name. I got up to see what she wanted. I walked in Aiyanas room.
"Aiyana won't fall asleep unless you tuck her in" Mom says. I smile and went to her bed.
When I was done I walked to the kitchen but faltered when I heard Dad and Benjamin talk. There is nothing wrong with eavesdropping, right?
"I want you to know that Rach and I are happy that you imprinted on her. You´re a good kid. Or you´re not a kid anymore, you´re a good person". Dad said
"Thank you. And I want you to know that I would never do anything to hurt her, I promise". Benjamin replied.
"I'm happy that she decided to give you a chance. She can be tough, just like her mom" Dad chuckles lightly.
"That's why I love her".
I almost choked. Did he just say love? I waited for my dad to say something but was suprised when he let it pass.
I walked in the kitchen and acted like I hadn't heard their conversation. We finished the ice cream and I walk Benjamin to the door, we step outside in the cold.
I close the door behind us and Benjamin looks surprised. I take a deep breath and then I say it
"I love you too".